22 female including 16 minor girls were raped during COVID-19 lockdown in Manipur

IT News

Imphal, Nov 26:

At least 22 (twenty two) females including 16 (sixteen) minor girl who are below the age of 16 were rape in the state of Manipur during COVID-19 lockdown. Among them three including a 14 years old girl were gang rape. This was highlighted during the inaugural function of the 16th Days of Activism Against Gender based violence -2020 observed under the theme ‘Orange the World : Fund, Respond, Prevent Collect held at Chandel district headquarter.

The annual campaign “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” was kick started at the Manipur state level at an event organised at Pallel Bazar on Nov 25, which is also the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.

Hechin Haokip, Secretary CWG, delivered the keynote and spoke about how court closure on account of the COVID-19 pandemic is delaying justice delivery in POCSO and domestic violence cases.

The Chief Guest Khaidem Mani, Acting Chairperson of MSHRC, mentioned the UN Secretary General’s campaign “UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence against Women”. He urged the use of law, and MSHRC as an open avenue to bring formal complaints. He mentioned his efforts to sensitize village chiefs and community leaders about the limitations of customary laws in POCSO and murder cases.

Shangnaidar Tontang, Secretary WSDC, spoke on difficulties women across Manipur face in accessing their entitlements. Sobita Mangsatabam, Secretary WAD, talked about the uptick in rape and murder cases in Manipur during the pandemic. Jeevanmala Khumukcham, President UNM-M, read out a memorandum to be submitted to the concerned authorities. The memorandum seeks special courts and women police stations (with adequate infrastructure and women officers) in all districts; monitoring chargesheets related to sexual assault and taking action against non-performing Investigating Officers; and regular disbursements for child care institutions, One Stop Centre, and social security schemes.

Delegates at the program participated safely wearing orange masks—in accord with the UN theme “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”—and displayed slogans on placards: “Come up with Resolution, Violence not a Solution”, “Talk about Gender Equality with your Family!”, “Shame and Blame lies only with the Abuser” etc.

The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Women and Girls (CWG) Lhunnajang, Weaker Sections Development Council, Women Committee UNM-M, All Tribal Women Organisation-CDL, Chingtam Nupi Apunba Lup, One Stop Centre-CDL, Widows Welfare Society, and Legal Aid Clinic Tengnoupal block Lhunnajang.

The event was co-sponsored by Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), CASA, United NGOs Mission Manipur (UNM-M), and Women Action for Development.

The 16 Days of Activism, which include campaign and awareness activities across districts, culminate on Dec 10, the International Human Rights Day.